North Ogden City Economic Development Plan

Transcription

1 North Ogden City Economic Development Plan 1

2 Vision Statement: North Ogden 2020 An attractive, inviting, and wellplanned City with peaceful bedroom-community neighborhoods, complemented by a thriving commercial district offering retail shopping, dining, entertainment, and professional services. 2 Sunset over North Ogden s worldclass aquatic center

3 Introduction In April 2010 the Mayor and City Council established an Economic Development Committee (EDC) to review the City s business climate and to develop suggestions for strengthening the City s economy. This all-volunteer Committee is composed of local business leaders, residents, elected officials, and city staff. The Committee was tasked with creating North Ogden s first Economic Development Plan to guide the City s efforts in economic development. 3 This Economic Development Plan was approved by the City Council on August 23, 2011 and identifies North Ogden s economic goals and objectives as well as the necessary strategies and actions to accomplish them. It also establishes a plan of action for implementation and assigns duties and responsibilities. Flag-raising ceremony during the annual North Ogden Cherry Days Celebration

4 Acknowledgements Richard G. Harris, Mayor Economic Development Plan Writing Subcommittee: Brent Taylor, Chairman & Council Member Craig Barker, Community Dev. E. Rich Brewer, Business Leader Dave Carlson, City Atty./Econ. Dev. Dir. Charles Lindquist, Business Leader Jennifer Thomas, Planning Technician Economic Development Committee: All of those listed above as well as: Bruce Catanzaro, Planning Commissioner Edward O. Dickie III, City Manager Jan DeBloois, Community Representative Ron Flamm, Council Member Keith Foulger, Community Representative Dave Hulme, Planning Commissioner Jenice Jones, Business Owner Shawn Maynard, Business Owner 4 Project Input and Data Collection The City wishes to thank the hundreds of residents and business leaders who contributed valuable ideas, and suggestions for this plan. Every effort was made to gather as much input as possible using a variety of sources: City-wide economic development survey (623 responses) Surveys and interviews with North Ogden business owners and operators 4 public listening sessions Discussion in over 10 public Economic Development Committee meetings Draft Economic Development Plan on City website for review and comment Special thanks to Dr. Leah Murray and her students at Weber State University for survey and data collection assistance. Pictures courtesy of: Evan DeBloois, Jenice Jones, Bruce Barker, Shawn Maynard, Lorrie Frazier, and the North Ogden Historical Museum Approved by the City Council on August 23, 2011 Get copies of this report and see other exciting North Ogden economic development information at ogdencity.com under the Economic Development tab.

5 Table of Contents Vision Statement Introduction Acknowledgements I. Executive Summary II. About North Ogden III. Strategic Objectives Overview 1. Promote North Ogden s Businesses 2. Develop and Market a City Brand 3. Encourage Positive Economic Growth 4. Maintain a Healthy Business Environment 5. Focus on Quality of Life as the City Promotes Economic Development IV. Strategic Focus V. Implementation Performance Measures Appendices A. North Ogden Economic Development Survey Results B. North Ogden Economic Data C. North Ogden Business Alliance: History & Importance 5 North Ogden is nestled at the base of majestic Ben Lomond, a stunning 9,712-foot peak in the Northern Wasatch Mountains

6 Executive Summary The purpose of the North Ogden Economic Development Plan is to improve the City s quality of life and to enhance the City s tax base by fostering positive economic growth. This Plan is written with the understanding that the City does not create jobs and tax revenues only businesses can create jobs and tax revenues. However, the City can influence the number and type of businesses that choose to locate in North Ogden based on the City s business climate and how proactively the City removes potential barriers to private economic investment and growth in the City. North Ogden is at a cross-roads in its history, with one foot in the City s largely agricultural/bedroom community past, and with the other foot in the future where an increasing population and associated consumer spending power is bringing consumer-oriented businesses to the City. North Ogden is the largest city at the northern end of Weber County, and its population is expected to eventually double to approximately 40,000 once all residential zones are built out. The majority of this growth is expected along the base of the Wasatch Mountains in the northern end of the City and is expected to be largely composed of upper middle class housing. North Ogden has strong spending power with the second-highest median household income ($74,384) of the 10 nearest cities. North Ogden also draws consumers from smaller nearby cities, including Pleasant View, Harrisville, and the Ogden Valley. The combined benefits of a relatively large population base and strong spending power make North Ogden the ideal location for future economic growth. The purpose of this Plan is to lay out the City s strategy for harnessing the power of positive economic growth while still maintaining the City s semi-rural atmosphere, quiet residential neighborhoods, and excellent quality of life. 6 Economic growth is important for North Ogden for two key reasons. First, North Ogden has an increasing residential population, and it is important for most residents to be able to shop relatively close to their homes for both convenience and environmental reasons. Second, businesses are large contributors of tax revenues to the City, including sales tax revenues and property tax revenues. North Ogden produces a relatively small amount of sales tax for a city of its population, and a strong commercial district filled with successful businesses would contribute significantly to the City s tax revenues, thereby enabling the city to continue to provide high-quality services. A wide variety of beautiful wildflowers grow in the mountains surrounding North Ogden

7 This Economic Development Plan is an action-based plan that centers around five key objectives: 1. Promote North Ogden s Businesses 2. Develop and Market a City Brand 3. Encourage Positive Economic Growth 4. Maintain a Healthy Business Environment Executive Summary 5. Focus on Quality of Life as the City Promotes Economic Development Each of these objectives seeks to improve or effect some dynamic of economic growth over which the City has influence. Again, the City itself cannot create jobs. However, the City can help create a positive business climate and can remove barriers to business success. 7 The Economic Development Committee wished to create a Plan that is functional and practical, as well as one that focuses on realistic goals and objectives. As such, the Plan consists of a series of strategies that will be executed in order to achieve the five objectives listed above. A specific position or entity (such as the EDC) is assigned to oversee the fulfillment of each strategy. The EDC will take a central role in conducting a quarterly assessment of the progress of this Plan and will make regular progress reports to the City Council. The City recently hired an Economic Development who will greatly assist with the execution of this Plan and is assigned to oversee many of the strategies incorporated in the Plan. The Youth City Council poses for a picture with former Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr.

8 Welcome to North Ogden! About North Ogden North Ogden is an attractive community located at the base of picturesque Ben Lomond, the mountain that inspired the famous Paramount Pictures logo. Home to the Shoshone Indians when the first pioneers arrived in the 1850 s, North Ogden was officially incorporated in Early visitors described North Ogden as a thriving and industrious community, and a number of early businesses flourished, including a grist mill, saw mills, cane mills, blacksmith shops, lime kilns, tanneries and several mercantile businesses. Over the years North Ogden has grown slowly and steadily, and has developed largely as a quiet bedroom community, attracting professionals who work in nearby cities. North Ogden is located less than one hour north of Salt Lake City; it is within easy commuting distance of a number of renowned universities, world-class medical facilities, manufacturing plants, industrial employers, Hill Air Force Base with its associated defense contractors, and ATK, a leading aerospace and defense company. When it comes to outdoor activities, North Ogden is close to it all! Situated at the base of the Wasatch Mountain Range, outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, backpacking, rock climbing, hunting, and fishing are only minutes away. Olympicclass and family-friendly ski resorts boasting Utah s world-famous snow are minutes away. At Pineview Reservoir to the east and Willard Bay to the west, there are water activities and year-round fishing. The city also has a fantastic trails network. 8 Excellent employment, recreational, and educational opportunities combine with a friendly small-town atmosphere to create a wonderful quality of life in North Ogden! The historic Stump and fountain at Bi-Centennial Park

9 About North Ogden It s great to live in North Ogden: Quiet, semi-rural community with incredible mountain views Good roads, a fantastic trail network, and minimal traffic Quality public and private schools Excellent public library Outstanding police and fire departments Beautiful parks, extensive open space, state-of-the-art aquatic center, and lake & mountain recreational opportunities just minutes away Excellent public Senior Center Abundant worship opportunities in the area Quick access to Salt Lake International Airport, employers, hospitals, universities, and cultural activities Easy access to public transportation including light rail & bus It s great to do business in North Ogden: Strong purchasing power second-highest household income among 10 nearby cities Prime property sites on major commercial roads available Solid shop local campaign Strong support for economic development at City Hall Just five minutes off I-15 North Ogden City By the Numbers: Settled: 1851 Population (2010): 17,357 Total households: 5,569 % Owner-Occupied: 88.3% Median Income: $74,384 % High School Grads: 95.6% % College Grads: 33.8% 9 Source: US Census

10 Strategic Objectives Overview Objective # 1: Promote North Ogden s Businesses Goal: Strengthen North Ogden s economy by promoting a Shop Local message Goal: Create a business climate that encourages small, local businesses in addition to regional or nationwide chains. 10 Goal: Increase participation of North Ogden businesses in filling City contracts. The historic North Ogden Cannery Building (built in 1901) is home to several North Ogden businesses

11 Strategic Objectives Overview Objective #2 Develop and Market a City Brand Goal: Create a brand for North Ogden that highlights the City s strengths and quality of life and showcases opportunities for commercial and residential development in the City. 11 A double rainbow over the Wasatch Mountains with the North Shore Aquatic Center in the foreground

12 Strategic Objectives Overview Objective #3 Encourage Positive Economic Growth Goal: Leverage the City s brand to generate positive commercial and residential development interest through marketing efforts designed to highlight opportunities in North Ogden Goal: Conduct regular commercial and residential development open houses & outreach events to proactively seek new development 12 Goal: Actively seek new retail development to strengthen the City s economy Goal: Welcome new residential and commercial developments and incorporate them into the City North Ogden has a business district with room to grow, supported by a strong residential base

13 Strategic Objectives Overview Objective #4: Maintain a Healthy Business Environment Goal: Develop a strong Business Alliance as a Citybusiness partnership to serve as a vehicle for positive interaction and a communication bridge between business leaders and City officials. Goal: Regularly evaluate the business environment in North Ogden, including an assessment of how City ordinances impact the business climate. Goal: Make every interaction between businesses and the City positive. Emphasize customer service in all City interactions with businesses. 13 Goal: Partner with the business community and seek opportunities to highlight the incredible benefits that our businesses bring to the City. The North View Senior Center hosts a variety of community events

14 Strategic Objectives Overview Objective #5: Focus on Quality of Life as the City Promotes Economic Development Goal: Ensure that commercial and residential development occur in such a way as to enhance the quality of life in the City. To this end, development must be thoughtfully planned and welldesigned. Goal: Include North Ogden residents and business community members in all economic development decisions. North Ogden wildflowers 14

15 Strategic Focus The Economic Development Committee mailed a survey to all North Ogden households to learn what types of businesses our residents most often leave North Ogden to patronize and what types of businesses residents would like to see in North Ogden. Here are some key survey results (for full survey results, please see Appendix A): 84% of survey respondents felt that the number of businesses in North Ogden was far too few or too few 89% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that shopping in North Ogden was important to them 84% of respondents reported that they often had to leave North Ogden to shop because of limited shopping in the City 85% of respondents said they would shop more often in North Ogden if there were more businesses in the City The North Ogden Community Services Building 15

16 Strategic Focus The Economic Development Survey also asked residents what type of businesses they would like to see established in North Ogden. The following is a list of the most popular responses: Clothing Restaurants Big box Craft stores Home improvement Household goods Electronics Strategic Focus: North Ogden s strengths are: 1) a well-educated and growing consumer base that includes residents from nearby cities; 2) high consumer spending power and household income; and 3) a high-traffic commercial district with prime opportunities for business expansion. Because of these factors, North Ogden s primary strategic focus will emphasize consumer-oriented retail businesses, such as restaurants, clothing, household goods, and entertainment which offer residents the convenience they seek while reinvesting more of their sales tax dollars into the community. North Ogden City Hall 16

17 Implementation Performance Measures Objective # 1: Promote North Ogden s Businesses Strategies Expected Completion Date Who Assigned 1a. Collect and maintain a comprehensive listing of all North Ogden businesses, including phone numbers and addresses Oct. 24, b. Develop a North Ogden Economic Development webpage ( This webpage should include information on North Ogden s ED plan, Spend It shop local campaign, the North Ogden Business Alliance, sales tax information and education for residents, and resources for businesses that are interested in relocating to North Ogden Nov. 21, c. Feature one North Ogden business per month on the City website (link to ED page) Monthly 1d. Utilize the GOV QA program to highlight North Ogden businesses. Link this feature to the City website. Goal: 70% participation Jan. 15, 2012 North Ogden s picturesque Bi-Centennial Park 17

18 Implementation Performance Measures Objective # 1: Promote North Ogden s Businesses Strategies Expected Completion Date Who Assigned 1e. Write a quarterly Shop Local article in the City newsletter Quarterly 1f. Develop a plan to increase participation of local businesses in filling North Ogden City contracts. Base this plan on the findings from strategy 1g. The EDC will create the plan and will forward it to the City Council for action Apr. 15, 2012 EDC 1g. Report quarterly to the EDC progress towards meeting the annual local business contracting goal 1h. Deliver an annual report to the City Council on the City s local business contracting program and accomplishment of its goal. 18 Quarterly Annually A historic image of North Ogden s early agricultural roots: cherry trees blossom with Ben Lomond in the background

19 Implementation Performance Measures Objective # 2: Develop and Market A City Brand Strategies Expected Completion Date Who Assigned 2a. Develop a City brand that incorporates the stunning vistas and natural scenery of North Ogden, nearby recreational opportunities, and the City s peaceful residential areas and vibrant commercial district Apr. 1, 2012 EDC 2b. Develop Open for business sub-brand to encourage economic development in the City that highlights the positive business climate and the benefits associated with locating a business in North Ogden Apr. 15, 2012 EDC 2c. Utilize statements about the City from local residents and existing businesses to personalize the brand and to enrich marketing materials 19 Apr. 15, 2012 EDC A historic picture of North Ogden s old red brick schoolhouse.

20 Implementation Performance Measures Objective # 2: Develop and Market A City Brand Strategies Expected Completion Date Who Assigned 2d. Develop a plan to better market signature local events (Cherry Days and others that can be created or enhanced) to a broader audience, to better involve the business community and to attract visitors to North Ogden Jul. 15, e. Explore opportunities for branding the City s commercial district, such as specialized trash cans, benches, light poles, and fixtures. Also, consider additional specialized banners in the commercial district. Develop a branding plan and present to EDC Jul. 15, North Ogden Branch of the Weber County Library

21 Implementation Performance Measures Objective #3: Encourage Positive Economic Growth Strategies Expected Completion Date Who Assigned 3a. Develop Open for Business marketing campaign materials for distribution to potential businesses, commercial real estate brokers, GOED (Governor s Office of Economic Development), WEDCOR (Weber Economic Development Corporation), Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce, etc. Jan. 15, 2012 EDC 3b. Create brochures to place in area hotels highlighting North Ogden s unique attractions Feb. 15, 2012 EDC 3c. Create marketing materials focused on attracting residential development and utilize real estate professionals to distribute these materials Mar. 15, 2012 EDC North Ogden Elementary School 21

22 Implementation Performance Measures Objective #3: Encourage Positive Economic Growth Strategies Expected Completion Date Who Assigned 3d. Explore potential for involving the GOED in our economic development strategy. Report to EDC on potential opportunities to pursue Feb. 28, e. Explore opportunities to utilize RDA/CDA/EDA and other incentives to attract retail development as a net benefit to the City economy. Report progress to EDC Jan. 30, f. Participate in Chamber of Commerce and real estate professional conferences or conventions where opportunities exist to highlight North Ogden and development opportunities in the City. Report to EDC potential conventions or conferences Apr. 30, 2012 North Ogden City Skate Park 22

23 Implementation Performance Measures Objective #3 Encourage Positive Economic Development Strategies 3g. Conduct quarterly commercial development outreach events hosted by the Mayor. Invite businesses that are considering locating in North Ogden and real estate professionals representing commercial property in North Ogden. The purpose of the outreach open house is to highlight the benefits associated with locating in the City 3h. Conduct outreach teleconferences as needed with interested businesses and real estate professionals who are unable to attend an outreach event in person Expected Completion Date Quarterly As needed Who Assigned 23 3i. Create and fund an Economic Development Fund to finance ED activities outlined in the ED Plan 3j. Leverage membership in Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce to attract positive economic development. Prepare a formal annual report on the benefits of Chamber membership to the City Council 3k. Develop a plan for conducting quarterly new resident open houses that incorporate volunteers, Youth Council, business sponsors, and the Civic League Annually Annually Jan. 15, 2012 /City Council /City Representative to the Chamber Mayor Panoramic picture of North Ogden from North Ogden foothills

24 Implementation Performance Measures Objective #3: Encourage Positive Economic Growth Strategies 3l. Conduct monthly courtesy calls to commercial real estate professionals who are developing or representing major commercial properties in North Ogden. Report progress quarterly to EDC Expected Completion Date Monthly-Calls Quarterly-Reports Who Assigned 3m. Develop a new-business welcome packet Jan. 15, 2012 EDC 3n. Develop a new-resident welcome packet Feb. 15, 2012 EDC 3o. Develop a program for New Business Calls that addresses how to welcome new businesses of various sizes into the City Jan. 15, 2012 EDC 3p. Implement program for New Business Calls and conduct these visits no less than once per quarter Quarterly or more often as needed 24 Part of North Ogden s Commercial District

25 Implementation Performance Measures Objective #4: Maintain a Healthy Business Environment Strategies Expected Completion Date Who Assigned 4a. Conduct an annual review of business ordinances in the City based on feedback from businesses and residents. Determine if any changes are necessary Annually EDC 4b. Emphasize customer service for all City staff involved with regulating business activities in the City. Use a problem-solving approach with businesses whenever possible Ongoing Mayor and City Manager 4c. Conduct an annual survey of North Ogden businesses to gather feedback on City performance, positive items, and any issues or concerns Annually EDC 4d. Participate actively in the North Ogden Business Alliance and provide financial and logistical support Ongoing Mayor, City Council Members, and Economic Development 4e. Develop a business exit survey and attempt to have businesses that leave North Ogden complete the survey to see what, if anything, the City could have done to create a stronger business climate Ongoing Economic Development North Ogden Wildflowers 25

26 Implementation Performance Measures Objective #5: Focus on Quality of Life as the City Promotes Economic Development Strategies 5a. Formalize the Economic Development Committee as a standing committee with regular meetings. Utilize the EDC to bring residents, business representatives, and City leadership together to work on economic development initiatives, areas of concern, etc. 5b. Report ED progress quarterly to residents via the City website and the City newsletter Expected Completion Date Ongoing Quarterly Who Assigned Mayor & City Council Mayor 5c. Ensure residents have all possible opportunities to be involved with ED decisions, programs, and planning 5d. Conduct a review of the General Plan with economic development and retail growth in mind. Examine infrastructure needs in the commercial district. Modify the General Plan as needed to meet these needs. Approach elected representatives to gain intergovernmental support for these needs Ongoing Oct. 15, 2012 Mayor & City Council Mayor and designees 5e. Emphasize customer service for all City staff involved with residents. Use a problem-solving approach with residents whenever possible 26 Ongoing Mayor and City Manager An example of North Ogden s beautiful, quiet neighborhoods

27 Appendices Appendix A: North Ogden Economic Development Survey Results Appendix B: North Ogden Economic Data 27 Appendix C: The North Ogden Business Alliance (NOBA) Historic photo of the North Ogden Cannery Building

28 Appendix A North Ogden Economic Development Survey Results In order to get input and guidance from residents, North Ogden sent an economic development survey to every household in the City. We received 623 responses and many valuable ideas and suggestions. Dr. Leah Murray and Political Science students at Weber State University independently tabulated the survey results. The results of the survey greatly influenced how North Ogden approached the formation of this Economic Development Plan. 28 Because of space constraints we cannot publish the full survey results here. However, we include graphs on the following page of four of the most pertinent questions that were asked in the survey and the responses. In addition, a full report of the survey results is posted on the Economic Development tab at North Ogden City Economic Development Plan Barker Park: One of North Ogden s 12 public parks

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30 Appendix B North Ogden Economic Data Second highest median household income among the 10 nearest cities North Ogden is the 3 rd largest city in Weber County (Utah s 4 th most populous county) North Ogden has a high percentage of owner-occupied homes with a strong, and stable consumer base that includes nearby cities and towns North Ogden is at 50% estimated build-out, and expects 20,000 more residents in the future North Ogden City By the Numbers: Settled: 1851 Incorporated: February 1 st 1934 Population (2010): 17,357 Total households: 5,569 % Owner-Occupied: 88.3% Median Income: $74,384 % High School Grads: 95.6% % College Grads: 33.8% Source: US Census data; North Ogden s Community Garden 30

31 Appendix C The North Ogden Business Alliance Founded in March of 2006 by a group of businesses that saw the need for a local association to support the North Ogden business community. Meetings: Alliance Board Members meet every other week and general meetings are held quarterly. The Alliance meetings offer an opportunity for local businesses to gather and discuss issues of importance to North Ogden s business community. City leaders also participate in meetings and offer support to the Alliance. What has the Alliance Done? In March of 2009 the Alliance committed to having frequent meetings and to work proactively to address issues raised by the group at large. The Alliance introduced the Spend It In North Ogden initiative; the goal of this program is to encourage residents to shop local. The program includes a website, signs at businesses, and a presence at Cherry Days. In conjunction with the City, the Alliance has installed Spend It banners along the business corridor and publishes a recurring message in the city newsletter. Ordinance Updates: In March of 2009, the Alliance asked the City to review existing ordinances to make them more business friendly in order to improve North Ogden s business climate. In April of 2010 the City Council invited the business community to make a presentation at a joint session of the City Council and Planning Commission. The presentation and the Alliance s efforts were instrumental in helping generate support for the formation of the North Ogden Economic Development Committee to find ways to improve the business climate. Improved Business Climate: In June of 2010 the Economic Development Committee began reviewing and submitting revised ordinances to the council that allowed for an attractive community while still encouraging a thriving business district. The Committee have been very successful and many important changes have been. Alliance members have played a key role in helping dramatically improve North Ogden s business climate. The North Ogden Business Alliance is a valuable resource and advocate for the business community, represents an incredible opportunity for a public-private sector partnership, and is one more reason why North Ogden is a great place to do business! Adapted from History of the NOBA available at: 31